Top 10 Mango Varieties and Types: Mango List

Summer has finally arrived, and with a lot of zeal and zest. With its limitless perks, one of which includes the joy of indulging into mangoes. It is that time of the year when we welcome the king of all fruits! Summers and mangoes go parallel with each other. Summer without mangoes is like coke without ice, both complementing each other. One of the many ways to beat the heat, and to relish the sweetness and its flavor, mango has surely provided us with a lot of relief and pleasure.

It is said to be one of the most variegated fruits of India. With over 500-1000 varieties of mangoes available all over the world, each differing in size, shape, taste and color, it is crowned as the best fruit of all times!

So here are the top 10 varieties/types of mangoes available, which are the best in terms of flavor and richness and will undeniably make you drool.

Alphonso

Hapoo, another name for Alphonso, is one of the best and most expensive varieties of mango found in India (Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka). In terms of saccharinity, richness or flavor, it leaves a remarkable impression. With its fibreless pulp and creamy texture, it is one of the most loved types of mango all over the world. It is firm, yet douses into the mouth. It is voluptuous with saffron- colored pulp. It has a short season, from the end of March to May, but is exported in massive quantities. High time we try it, don’t you think so?

Kesar

Cultivated in Gujarat, India, it has a harvest season from mid-June to July. Kesar is the second most exported item. A true masterpiece, with the perfect blend of sweetness and acidity along with its magical aroma spreading all over, Kesar has its own fan following. Though in appearance, it might seem a bit dull, with yellow patches and a small round shape, all of it gets compensated by the passionate and intense yellow flesh inside and the smooth irresistible texture. It is one of the most popular and admired type of mango all over.

Baganapalli

Named after Banganapalle, Baganapallii is a mango cultivator. Primarily grown in Andhra Pradesh, it is implicitly oval in shape, moderately juicy, fiber-less, and has an immaculate golden yellow edible skin. These mangoes are bulky, weighing up to 400 grams and have a sweet taste. Exceedingly famous in Banganpalle, it is the most sought-after variety.

Dashehari

Also known as the mother of mango varieties, Dashehari is cultivated in parts of north India. 80 percent of all mango trees have been traced to have some sort of genetic association with the 200 years of Dashehari trees. The legend has it that the first tree was planted by a tradesman, who after getting into a fight with a monk threw the seed in a fit of rage on the ground. In Malihabad, the locals uphold the heritage of these trees. It is one of the renowned variety amongst the people of north India. Mouthwatering and lip- smacking, this type of mango has the most succulent and sugary pulp with an exquisite taste and delightful aroma. The sweet syrup makes you have at least 2-3 mangoes at a time.

Keitt

Originated in the southern parts of Florida, and Miami, Keitt is considered as a one of the most superior varieties. Its excellent disease resistant quality makes it possible for it to be shipped all around the globe. Cultivated from the end of July to mid or end October, it has an exquisite texture, with minimal amount of fiber and an incredible taste. It is usually green in colour, with red blushes all over it. Some of its properties include high yields and ripening time along with large scale productivity, which is an added advantage. Its harvest time is from June to September.

Langra

It is a prominent variety of mango that stirs great pride in North Indians. It has a mother tree, situated at Varanasi. It is majorly grown in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal. Unfortunately, the owner of the tree was lame, hence the name ‘Langra’ was assigned to the tree. It is a short season fruit, starting from mid to end of July. Owning a divine and distinctive turpentine taste, it is mildly fibrous and can be gulped down in one bite! Many of the other mango varieties in India are spawned by this Langra tree.

Chaunsa

Giving Alphonso a run for the money, Chaunsa grows in north India and Pakistan, from early June to the end of August. It had been designated with this name by the Muslim Suri Emperor Shar Shah Suri. Apparently, this was his favourite variety. It has a divine sugary taste, making you lick up every single drop of this heavenly nectar. Chaunsa is nutritious, juicy, has a unique fragrance and compels you to eat more than just one. Rather than being sliced, it is traditionally eaten by sucking the sweet pulp. One of the most popular breed of mango, it is remarkably soft, with minimal fiber. It is grown from early June to early September.

Neelam

This is one variety which grows throughout India and Pakistan, but whose specialty lies in Hyderabad. With an enormous yield capability, Neelam hits the market in the far end of the season, from May to end of June. Undoubtedly, one of the best variety found throughout the world, this juicy wonder is small, with a tiny seed and a distinctively floral smell, which is truly mesmerizing.

Gulab Khas

As suggested by the name, Gulab Khas grows in Bihar and is recognized for its rosy flavor and magnificent blush. It is encased in light yellow, gorgeous skin, which refreshes your senses. It is reddish in appearance with a beautiful aroma. Gulab Khas is a mid-season mango, with a non- fibrous pulp. It is renowned for making mango based desserts.

Sindhri

Finally, comes Sindhri, the national fruit of Pakistan, grown primarily in Sindh, Pakistan. The harvest season starts from June and ends in July. One of its key features is its extreme sweetness, which gives it the name ‘Honey Mango’. With a sharp and elongated shape, pointed curve and soft skin, and is a delight to indulge yourself with a nice big slice. It is of uniform color, crisp and clean, with no spots on its body. The flesh is tremendously soft, hence it melts away easily and for this reason, it can’t be stored for a very long time. It needs to be eaten within 2-3 days whenever purchased. But no one can complain! Anyone would be more than happy to gulp it down as soon as they can!

So gear up this summer, try out as many types of mangoes as you can and see what all is in-store for you!